Bill to boost farmers' rights rejected

Thu Nov 21 14:50:06 EST 2013

Family First MLC Rob Brokenshire says better rules must put in place to protect farming activity in South Australia.

Mr Brokenshire introduced the Right to Farm Bill, aimed at protecting the right of farmers to operate machinery, move stock and carry out other standard farming practices, irrespective of the time or location.

The legislation passed the Upper House but was rejected by the Government in the Lower House.

Mr Brokenshire says the right to farm must be protected.

"What we're seeing more and more is imposts put on farmers that actually prevent them from being able to run efficient farming practices," he said.

"It's too easy for people to ring up the EPA [Environment Protection Authority] and then there's an inquiry and investigation that impacts on that farmer."

The chairman of Primary Producers SA, Rob Kerin, says there should be a clear set of regulations.

"We've got to learn to coexist and having the right rules is very important," he said.

Mr Kerin says the idea should be developed.

"A well resourced committee may be a better way of going through the issues and perhaps coming up with legislation that way," he said.

The Government says the legislation was not the appropriate mechanism to uphold farmers' rights.